Queens Focus, August 21

Jennifer Alvarez of Woodhaven was commissioned as a second lieutenant with her graduation from Officer Candidate School on Aug. 16. Alvarez will serve within the Medical Service Officer career field with the Company F, 169th General Aviation Support Battalion in Rochester.

Helping the NeedyOn Wednesday, August 13, NYFAC’s Day Hab participants helped stuff over 500 bags for needy students at Kings Plaza Shopping Center. Each fall, as the school year approaches, Kings Plaza donates supplies to pupils. The mall’s representatives work with community leaders and elected officials to determine need, and then they provide the goods. This year, NYFAC individuals prepared backpacks that included loose leaf, a notebook, a folder, pens and pencils and hand sanitizer.

The New York Army National Guard has announced the promotion of members in recognition of their capability for additional responsibility and leadership.

Sharron Beckett of South Ozone Park was promoted to specialist.Jonah Conyers of Far Rockaway was promoted to sergeant.Karen Galarza of Ozone Park was promoted to specialist.Francisco Malaga of Rego Park was promoted to private first class.Ravi Poongavanum of Ozone Park was promoted to private first class.Elias Reyes of Far Rockaway was promoted to specialist.Gilberto Salazargiraldo of Woodhaven was promoted to specialist.

Assemblyman Phil Goldfeder has announced a schedule for upcoming mobile office hours throughout his district.

Amie McManus of Belle Harbor will attend the University of Dayton in Ohio for the fall 2014 semester.

Timothy Granville-Crooks of Rockaway Park, a member of the Colgate University Class of 2017, participated in a summer internship with the Blue Hill Boys & Girls Club.

American Family Community Services, a not-for-profit organization located at 37-63 76th St. in Jackson Heights, is planning to extend its community programs and is looking for bilingual volunteer professionals (English and Spanish) willing to provide professional services in education and social services.
Interested individuals can email info@americanfamilyny.org or call (718) 639-8370

Fostering TechnologyThe Coalition for Queens, a local nonprofit dedicated to fostering the Queens tech ecosystem, hosted its first Tech Speaker Series Fireside Chat on Monday, August 11, at its headquarters in Long Island City. The panelists included a few local, Queens-based, entrepreneurs so I thought it would be nice if you could run this picture to show support for local business.

The Latin American Cultural Center of Queens will offer art classes for children ages 8-16 from 10-11:30 a.m. Saturdays at ARROW Community Center, 35-30 35th St., Astoria. Participants will develop fundamental techniques in painting, sketching, drawing and sculpting. Materials will be provided.
For information, call (718) 261-07664 or email laccq@aol.com.

A defensive driving course for insurance and point reduction will be given at Our Lady of Fatima Church, 25-02 80th St., Jackson Heights, from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sept. 27. For information and registration, call (631) 360-9720. Cost is $45.

Niamh Josephine McBride of Middle Village was named to the Dean’s List for the spring 2014 semester at the University of Rhode Island in Kingston, R.I.

Rachid Bennabi of Ridgewood has committed to attend SUNY Potsdam in the fall.

Vasu Rabaib of Woodside was named to the Dean’s List for the spring 2014 semester at Bard College at Simon’s Rock in Great Barrington, Mass.

The New York Army National Guard has announced the promotion of members in recognition of their capability for additional responsibility and leadership.Roy Aguinaga of Woodside was promoted to sergeant.Andy Goris of Corona was promoted to private first class.Marlissa Pee of Ridgewood was promoted to specialist.